The Lamborghini Countach is perhaps the most iconic supercar of the last 30 years. It decorated the walls of a generation of young car fans in a poster known to most, and it helped define an era of supercar excess. Several decades later, the once cutting edge design may be somewhat dated, but is certainly still the stuff of exotic car dreams for many car aficionados. Anyone with the means to make their aging supercar dreams a reality would be hard pressed to find a nicer example than the one being offered.

The Countach made its public debut at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the ultra-low two-seater sports car took the world by surprise. Perhaps the most captivating styling elements were the doors opening scissor-style, swinging up and forward. Over the years these famous doors have become a consistent Lamborghini design feature.

The Bertone-designed legend grew ever more extravagant as engineers sought various measures aimed at keeping it pinned to the road in response to the ever-increasing power output from its refined V-12 powertrain. Bored-out to 5.2-liters for 1985, the V-12 was also given four valves per cylinder, for a total of 48, hence the moniker “Quattrovalvole”. European-specification Countach models gained six Weber downdraft carburetors located on the top of the engine, rather than from the side, while North American models received Bosch's K-Jetronic fuel injection system. The V-12 engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The shift mechanism is gated for smooth and accurate gear changes that are essential for maximizing the cars speed potentials.

The Countach Quattrovalvole received small bodywork changes in late 1987; new streaked sills incorporating rear brake cooling vents were added. The interior was now equipped with central-locking, modified heater controls and much improved ventilation. The huge rear wing could still be ordered on the Quattrovalvole, and few Countach left the factory without one. The truth is that the Countach does not suffer from aerodynamic lift at high speeds, so the rear wing was not a necessity, but added a great deal of conversation to the design and the car being immediately recognizable to all but a few. The wing was an expensive option at about US $5,000, but with the increased drag created a slightly lower top speed.

This exhilarating car has enjoyed same family ownership since new and is presented in original condition, with less than 15,000 kilometers displayed on the odometer. Attractively equipped with the appropriate factory phone dial-style alloy wheels and functional tall rear spoiler, the Lamborghini is finished in a fittingly sinister black presentation with an exquisite biscuit-toned leather interior. This example is reported to be exceptional and very sparingly used and displays as-new condition inside and out. Equipment includes air conditioning, Alpine AM/FM stereo radio with cassette, tinted glass, remote mirrors, driving lights and power four-wheel disc brakes.

Its extraordinarily preserved condition invites closer inspection. It is accompanied by its books that include warranty and maintenance books, with the Retail Sales Certificate still in the back. Additionally there is the driver’s handbook, owner’s manual and parts catalog binder. Documentation includes the original window sticker and service record from October 1989, as well as September, October and December of 2008. This magnificent Countach is prepared to be enjoyed by the next owner seeking the sweet symphony only a Lamborghini V-12 can provide.